Sleep like the 1920s in Edmonton's Hotel Selkirk

Do you ever wish money was no object as you scour the web for cheap hotel rooms for your next holiday? Do you look wistfully at the private floors in hotel elevators, imagining their elaborate suites? Consider us your window into that world, or at least, Edmonton's small piece of it. In the Sweet Suites series, we'll take you on tours in words, photos and video of some of our city's most luxurious hotel rooms. You may never stay in any of them but you'll be able to talk about them like you have.

Cosy, tranquil and full of character, the Selkirk Suite at Fort Edmonton Park's historical Hotel Selkirk offers a 1920s experience unparalleled in this city.

The 1920s-era suite is ittybitty compared to the lavish, spacious hotel suites in Edmonton's downtown. The two-room space is just 406 square feet, including the bathroom. But consider: in 1920, the rooms were half that size, and very few had an ensuite bathroom. Most guests had to use shared facilities - outside.

The original Hotel Selkirk was called the Windsor. It was built in 1903 at the southwest corner of Jasper Avenue and 101st Street, where the Royal Bank is now. For its day, the Windsor was considered a luxury hotel, boasting 40 rooms.

According to the Edmonton Heritage Council, the hotel changed ownership in 1911; proprietor Robert Mc-Donald bought up the adjacent Windsor Block and expanded the hotel to 100 rooms, renaming it when it reopened in 1913.

For 50 years, the Hotel Selkirk was a hot hangout spot, and many hotel guests were people of means and/or note.

In 1962, the hotel suffered irreparable fire damage and was demolished to make way for the bank.

Fort Edmonton's replica is based on the original blueprints, though the fact each room is larger and has an ensuite bathroom means there are fewer (29) rooms today.

Rates have gone up in the past century. In 1911, you could get a room for $1.50 a night; today, the hotel average is $149 a night, and the Selkirk Suite costs $179 a night. Still, it's remarkably reasonable considering this is a historical experience in an unparalleled urban setting, complete with staff in period costumes.

Definitely something to consider if you've ever wanted to be a tourist in your own town, or treat your in-laws to something other than the guest room in your basement.

The Selkirk Suite is on the top floor and enjoys a southwest view of 1920 Street, including the Ukrainian Bookstore and Bill's Confectionary. During the summer months, (Victoria Day to Labour Day), guests can people-watch by day, when Fort Edmonton is open to visitors, then enjoy blissful peace and quiet after hours when the site shuts down - though you can still get a drink at the historical Mahogany Bar, which once held the title of "longest bar in North America."

In the off-season, the hotel is open from time to time for special events like murder mystery parties.

The suite itself is quaint and elegant, decorated in an early 1920s style. Guests walk into a lounge painted dusty rose, furnished with table and chairs, period cream-andburgundy sofa (with pullout bed) wardrobe and dark patterned carpet. Simple accents including triangular valances, gold-framed artworks and beaded lampshade tassels give the space a feel of stepping back in time.

The adjoining bedroom's king-sized bed has soothing blue and green bedding and a ceiling-high headboard that makes the space feel larger and brighter. A work area with coffee machine is tucked into a corner. The bathroom's clawfoot tub is certainly one of the suite's highlights.

The Selkirk Suite is popular for wedding nights and romantic getaways. People "have their function downstairs and then they book up all the rooms," explains spokesperson Suzzette Mellado.

The hotel was used during the filming of western drama The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford (2007), but lead actor Brad Pitt did not overnight in the Selkirk Suite. Premier Alison Redford has, however, been a guest. ewithey@edmontonjournal.com room rates Hotel: Hotel Selkirk, Fort Edmonton Park Suite: Selkirk Suite Size: 406 square feet Rack rate: $179 a night

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